Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

May 2015 - On 25 April, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal, with the epicentre 81 km northwest of Kathmandu. The earthquake has affected over 8 million people, displaced 2.8 million, and has left more than 3.5 million Nepalese in need of food assistance. On 12 May, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, northeast of Kathmandu, and near its border with China. This aftershock caused additional damage and loss of life, including throughout many areas already impacted by the April 25 earthquake. In response to the crisis, DFATD is deploying emergency relief items from its stockpile, managed by the Canadian Red Cross, to help meet the immediate needs of up to 25,000 affected people. The relief items are being provided to those who are most in need, in coordination with the Government of Nepal and the wider humanitarian community. The relief items include: (1) tents and tarpaulins to help provide temporary shelter; and (2) basic household items such as blankets, kitchen sets, and hygiene kits (which include items such as soap and toothbrushes), as well as jerry cans and buckets to safely transport water.